Culture Capital Oulu FAM Trip, 20.-23.11.2025

This FAM trip invites international tour operators to discover the cultural and creative heartbeat of Northern Finland through two distinctive destinations: Oulu – the European Capital of Culture 2026 – and Raahe, a coastal gem of wooden architecture and small-town charm. The trip is perfectly timed to coincide with Lumo Light Festival, a luminous celebration that transforms the dark Nordic November into a canvas of light, art, and imagination.

As Oulu prepares to shine on the European stage in 2026, this FAM offers you a firsthand glimpse into the city’s evolving role as a year-round destination. Oulu is a place where arctic lifestyle meets innovation, where culture is experienced in saunas, street art, and seasonal flavors. During the trip, you'll experience a taste of Oulu's signature light festival, new floating sauna wellness experience, creative maker Chocosomnia, and vibrant city life shaped by its people and stories.

Our journey begins in Raahe, a historic maritime town known for its 19th-century wooden architecture, artisan culture, and local hospitality. Here you'll be introduced to the slow rhythms of Finnish life in a setting that is both scenic and soul-soothing. Traditional craft, immersive storytelling, and Arctic cuisine await in this charming introduction to the region.

Together, Oulu and Raahe provide an authentic and accessible northern alternative for travelers seeking creativity, local life, and year-round experiences beyond the Arctic Circle.

International flights arriving in Helsinki

16.10 Flight AY443 from Helsinki to Oulu

17.20 Arriving to Oulu Airport

17.45 Transfer to Raahe (1 h)

19.00 Check-in at hotel in Raahe

Dinner hosted by Visit Raahe

 

Breakfast

Morning in Raahe: History, Heritage & Hands-on Craft

Our morning in Raahe begins with a guided exploration of the atmospheric Old Town of Raahe, one of Finland’s best-preserved 19th-century wooden town centres. As you walk through narrow streets lined with pastel wooden houses and historical landmarks, you'll hear stories of maritime trade, Arctic expeditions, and the town’s unique cultural identity.

We’ll continue to Raahen Taitopaja, a local craft studio and cultural hub that keeps Finnish handicraft traditions alive. Here, you’ll take part in a hands-on Himmeli Workshop, where you’ll create your own version of a traditional Nordic mobile. Himmeli is an ornamental decoration made from straw or reed, symbolising prosperity and used in Finnish homes particularly during winter and Christmas season. This meditative and creative experience offers insight into Finnish seasonal traditions and design heritage.

The morning concludes with a lunch at the beautifully restored Trade House of Lang, where local history meets Arctic Food Lab cuisine in an atmospheric merchant house setting.

15.00 Transfer to Oulu (1 h)

16.00 Oulu2026 & Cultural Highlights at Oulu Museum of Art
Introduction to the key themes, program highlights, and the broader visitor appeal of the Oulu2026 year, offering valuable insights for travel professionals seeking fresh cultural destinations.

You’ll also be introduced to the upcoming exhibitions and key attractions of the Oulu Museum and Science Centre, including Aurora Revelare, an immersive film and interactive exhibition about the Northern Lights (opening in the fall of 2026).

The visit concludes with a short walk through the current exhibition at Oulu Art Museum, offering a glimpse into the region’s visual arts scene.

17.45 Check-in at Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti

19.00 Arctic Evening at Koiteli Rapids
Just 30 minutes from Oulu, Koitelinkoski is a picturesque riverside area of forest islands and rapids, beloved by locals year-round.
In this atmospheric setting, enjoy a three-course Arctic dinner served by open fire in a cosy wooden cabin. Between courses, step outside to feel the northern stillness — and perhaps spot the Northern Lights overhead.
This evening combines local nature, flavours, and warmth for an unforgettable northern experience.
Evening hosted by Go Arctic, a local DMC and activity provider specializing in authentic northern experiences.

23.00 Back at the hotel

 

Breakfast

8.30 Check-out and transfer

9.00 Flavours of Finland: Chocolate Tasting at Chocosomnia
Step into the world of Finnish flavours at Chocosomnia, an artisan chocolate factory in Oulu. This tasting experience introduces handcrafted chocolates made with wild Finnish berries such as bilberry and sea buckthorn.
As you taste, you’ll also learn about the berries’ connection to Finnish nature and seasonal traditions — a delicious way to explore local ingredients and food culture.

10.45 Walking Tour: Cultural Cityscape of Oulu
Discover central Oulu on a guided walk through key Oulu2026 event locations and cultural landmarks. The tour offers a glimpse into how the city centre will come alive during the Capital of Culture year.

The walk includes a local lunch stop.

13.00 Olosauna – Floating Sauna Experience in the Heart of Oulu
Step into the warmth of a modern Finnish sauna while floating gently on the waters of Oulu. Olosauna offers a year-round wellness experience with access to open-water swimming, even in winter. This public floating sauna combines authentic Finnish sauna culture with modern design, offering not only relaxing heat and refreshing dips but also a small meeting room and café for light breaks. During this daytime visit, enjoy a full sauna session – just like the locals do. Bring your bathing suit!

15.15  Check-in at Lapland Hotels Oulu

16.00 Lumo Light Festival & Lumo Art & Tech Preview
As evening sets in, experience the magic of Lumo Light Festival, when Oulu’s city centre glows with light art installations and interactive works. A short guided walk introduces highlights of the festival, after which you’ll have free time to explore the event on your own.

You’ll also hear about Lumo Art & Tech, a ten-day international festival in 2026 combining light, media art, and technology as part of the Oulu2026 program.

19.00    Arctic Food Lab Dinner (Restaurant(s) TBC)
Enjoy a dinner inspired by the Arctic Food Lab, a culinary concept developed for Oulu2026 that highlights ingredients, flavours, and food traditions from northern Finland. The focus is on locally sourced, seasonal produce—from wild berries and fish to forest herbs and game—prepared in ways that reflect the northern climate and culture.

This dining experience connects food with identity, sustainability, and the unique taste of the North.

Breakfast

8.00 Check-out

8.30 Inspection of Villa Uleå – Urban Tranquility by Nature
Villa Uleå is a brand-new accommodation destination offering private villas, saunas, and meeting spaces just minutes from Oulu city centre—yet surrounded by peaceful nature. The perfect blend of urban convenience and Nordic calm.

9.00 Destination Nallikari - Oulu’s Coastal Escape for All Seasons
Join us for an active and immersive visit to Nallikari, the beloved seaside district of Oulu that combines year-round holiday vibes with local lifestyle. Located just 3 km from the city centre, Nallikari is a unique destination offering seaside accommodation, outdoor activities, local flavours, and an authentic Nordic atmosphere – whether under the midnight sun or surrounded by frozen sea ice in winter.

Often called "Oulu’s living room," Nallikari is where locals and visitors alike come to relax, recharge, and explore. We’ll tour the area by bike (weather permitting), so bundle up in outdoor wear! You’ll get a hands-on feel for the different accommodation options in the area, catering to FIT travellers, families, and groups alike. You’ll also experience a touch of seasonal magic through a small Christmas activity and enjoy a light lunch before continuing to the airport.

Visit at Nallikari is hosted by Nallikari by the Sea and Nallikari Safaris.

12.30 Transfer to Oulu Airport

14.25-15.45 AY438 OUL-HEL

International flights from Helsinki accordingly

Thank you for visiting Finland!

 

Please apply for this FAM trip via this link. 

Visit Finland will review your registration as soon as possible, no later than 45 days prior to Fam-trip's planned starting date.